Hepatitis C Antibody

Does this test have other names?

Antibody to HCV, anti-HCV

What is this test?

A hepatitis C antibody test is used to find out if you are infected with the hepatitis
C virus (HCV). When your body is infected with a virus, it produces antibodies to
fight the virus. The hepatitis C antibody test looks for antibodies that the body
produces in response to the presence of HCV.

HCV infects the liver, often causing inflammation and damage. It is more common in
developing nations.

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test if your healthcare provider suspects that you have HCV. If
you are infected with HCV, you probably won't have any symptoms at first. Consequently,
the CDC recommends having the test if you:

Ever injected illicit drugs

Had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992

Received clotting factor concentrates for hemophilia before 1987

Are the child of a mother with HCV

Have been a sexual partner of someone with HCV

Have HIV

Are a healthcare worker who may have been exposed to HCV

HCV can lead to liver disease, which has these symptoms:

Nausea

Dark urine

Jaundice

Fatigue

Diarrhea

Decreased appetite

Frequent bruising

Belly pain

Symptoms of severe liver disease include mental confusion and swelling of your feet,
ankles, and belly.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

If your results on the hepatitis C antibody test are positive or you have symptoms
that suggest HCV, your healthcare provider may order a hepatitis C RNA test. This
is a blood test that looks for genetic evidence of the virus itself. Another test,
called "viral genotyping," helps find out what kind of HCV infection you have and
what type of treatment may be needed. In some cases, you may need a liver biopsy to
look for liver damage related to HCV.

Other tests look for ballooning of the blood vessels in the esophagus (varices) or
cancer in the liver (hepatocellular carcinoma). Chronic infection with HCV can cause
inflammation and destruction to blood cells, blood vessels, and other tissues in the
body. Your healthcare provider may test for these conditions, as well.

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used
for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem.
Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

A test for hepatitis C antibodies is either positive or negative. If you test positive,
you may have an HCV infection. But it could also mean that you had the infection in
the past and are not currently infected. If you test negative, it is likely that you
do not have the infection.

How is this test done?

The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in
your arm or hand.

Does this test pose any risks?

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection,
bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may
feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.

What might affect my test results?

Hepatitis C antibody is just one of many tests that healthcare professionals use to
diagnose a HCV infection. It simply notes that you have been exposed to the virus.
It can't tell a current infection from a past infection. A weak positive test result
could be a false-positive.

How do I get ready for this test?

You don't have to prepare for this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about
all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines
that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use.